GED test-takers rushing to meet Dec. 31 deadline

Thursday

Nov 21, 2013 at 8:00 PM

By Lisa.Ermak@hollandsentinel.com(616) 546-4219

Americans who passed part, but not all, of the GED test are rushing to finish the high school equivalency exam before a new version rolls out in January and their previous scores are wiped out. About 1 million people nationwide could be affected.Michael O'Connor, director for Zeeland/Holland Adult Education, said he has been reminding students all semester to wrap up the test within the next few weeks to allow enough time for scoring and reporting.According to GEDtestingservice.com, every decade or so, the GED has to be changed or rewritten, to make sure that test-takers who pass will earn a high school level certificate that truly reflects the knowledge and determination of the test-taker.With the new version, test takers must use a computer instead of paper and pencil.O'Connor said he has only seen excerpts of the test but expects it will be better because the content will be more equivalent to what high school graduates are receiving."The test is supposed to be more stringent, more difficult (and) more closely aligned with the Michigan Merit Curriculum," he said.GED exam officials have said the changes will modernize the test and align it with new college and career-ready standards adopted in a majority of states. They say basic computer skills are needed in a modern workplace — even to apply for jobs at places like retail stores and fast-food chains. On a recent test given to adults worldwide of workplace skills including math, reading and problem-solving using technology, American adults scored below the international average.The new test also will offer an enhanced score report and opportunities for adults to show their readiness for careers and college and allow people to receive their scores the same day, rather than having to wait a month or more.— The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow this reporter on Twitter @SentinelLisa.